YES. THAT FIAT SPIDER IS IN NEW JERSEY. NO. NEITHER OF THE GUYS WITH BEERS ARE ME. ONE IS MY BROTHER. THIS IS HIS CAR. SO, WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? First, a bit of backstory. This car didn’t always bear a New Jersey license plate. It was actually my dad’s cousin’s car. He bought […]

YES. THAT FIAT SPIDER IS IN NEW JERSEY. NO. NEITHER OF THE GUYS WITH BEERS ARE ME. ONE IS MY BROTHER. THIS IS HIS CAR. SO, WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

My Brother’s 1980 FIAT 2000 Spider

First, a bit of backstory. This car didn’t always bear a New Jersey license plate. It was actually my dad’s cousin’s car. He bought it new in 1980 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The decision to buy this car will go down as one of the dumbest choices ever made.

In 1979, my dad’s cousin was driving a Series 2 Jaguar E-Type as his daily driver. And, as he so perfectly put it, every time he turned the key, it cost him money. Anyone familiar with older Jaguars know that the word “reliability” wasn’t exactly in their corporate lexicon. So, what’s a guy to do?

A few decades years later, my dad’s cousin moved to Germany, leaving the car behind in his mother’s garage. There it sat until 2009 when two things happened. My brother graduated from university and my great-aunt passed away. The 1980 FIAT had nowhere to go.

Amazingly enough, the little 45,000-mile, white FIAT was still in great condition. No rust. No spiderwebbing on the wood trim. Nothing. So, my brother, having similar decision-making prowess to my dad’s cousin, asked for it as a college graduation gift. My dad spent a few hours getting the car back into running order, and off to New Jersey it went.

It’s in the Garden State where I got behind the wheel of a 1980 FIAT 2000 Spider. What’s it like? In a word… Italian.

Sorry for the Instagram filter.

There’s something to be said for a car that only measures 156.25 inches (3,969 mm) long, 63.5 inches (1,613 mm) wide and 49.25 inches (1,251 mm) tall. When you find yourself behind the wheel, you feel that you’re more wearing the car than sitting in it. Drop the cloth convertible top and you’re more at one with the road than you might expect.

Much of that sensation comes from the fact that everything on the FIAT 2000 Spider is manual. From the 5-speed transmission to the unassisted steering. Everthing’s analog, too. A nice change of pace from today’s all digital cars. Even the warning chime is a little brass (I’m guessing) bell.

Turn the key and the 2-liter, 104 hp, carbureted, inline four-cylinder might come to life. I stress the “might”. This particular FIAT Spider suffers from the usual reliability quirks common to late-70s and early-80s Italian sports cars. In this case, the quirk comes in the form of constantly clogging fuel filters. My best guess is over the years of sitting, quite a bit of silt settled into the gas tank, which makes its way through the lines.

Anyhoo. Once you coax the FIAT to start, you depress the very, very stiff clutch pedal and shift into gear. Off you go. This car isn’t exactly quick. It takes about 12-seconds to hit sixty. But, that doesn’t really matter.

Once you’re actually going, driving an old FIAT is more pleasant than you might think. Between your butt and the road is a suspension set-up of unequal length wishbones, front coil over dampers and a live rear axle that makes a not-too-bad ride. They turned this chassis into a race car, so it can’t be all bad.

Parking… Parking this car sucks. A monumentally large turning radius and no power-steering makes you reconsider whether or not you really need to stop at the store or if you can just keep driving (which is much more fun).

Driving a 1980 FIAT 2000 Spider isn’t about speed. It’s not about performance. It’s not about luxury. It’s about simplicity. Because there isn’t any power steering, you feel every detail in the road. You also really need to pay attention to where you’re going. You can’t just yank the wheel in the direction of a turn. You need to plan, brake and turn the wheel gradually. It takes thought and it takes care. It’s not hard, but in the days of mindless driving and autopilots, having to actually drive a car is a wonderful change of pace.

Sorry, again, for the filter.

I don’t think I’d want to drive a 1980 FIAT 2000 Spider as my daily driver. But, I can see the draw and understand why my brother loves it so much. This thing even has an 8-track tape player.

What’s it like to drive a 1980 FIAT 2000 Spider? Simple. Fun. Uncomplicated.

Man, I loved those taillights. With the 2017 LaCrosse, Buick is really stepping up their game. It’s always a thrill to see concept cars, test cars or prototype cars in the wild. Yep, these photos are exclusive to TTV. We even have video [read: GIF] of the 2017 Buick LaCrosse driving down Colorado’s lovely roads.

For the longest time, Buick was sort of a non-entity to a lot of the car-buying public. Lately, its seems like they’re really begun to wake up. A good friend recently got a Buick Encore, and I was blown away. Now, I’m very interested to see where they go with the LaCrosse. Between that, the new Lincoln Continental and the entire Genesis line, the near-luxury sedan world is going through quite the shake-up. Shake-ups are good.

How much do you need to make to RESPONSIBLY put that dream car in your driveway? We all want a nice car. I mean, who doesn’t want a Rolls Royce or a BMW or a McLaren in their driveway? Hell, at about $35,000 a MINI Cooper John Cooper Works and Subaru WRX STI are lofty […]

There’s a basic formula for that. What you can afford: Basically, your monthly car payment plus insurance shouldn’t be more than ten-percent of your gross monthly income. So, if your car payment plus insurance is $300 per month, you need to be making at least $3,000 that month. I put together a little table calculating out the costs and income needs for a bunch of price points. I’ve also made a few assumptions in terms of insurance, sales tax and down payment.

And, $150 per month insurance. (I know more expensive cars have more expensive insurance, but it was easier to just estimate the national average from ValuePenguin.com. If you’re buying a $150,000 and can’t handle another $100 per month, you shouldn’t be buying the car anyway.)

How Much Car Can You Afford? Makeshift Car Affordability Calculator.

Price

Down-Payment

Monthly Payment

Monthly Payment + Insurance

Monthly Income Needed

Annual Income Needed

$500,000.00

$75,000.00

$8,379.51

$8,529.51

$85,295.10

$1,023,541.20

$250,000.00

$37,500.00

$4,189.75

$4,339.75

$43,397.50

$520,770.00

$200,000.00

$30,000.00

$3,351.80

$3,501.80

$35,018.00

$420,216.00

$150,000.00

$22,500.00

$2,513.85

$2,663.85

$26,638.50

$319,662.00

$140,000.00

$21,000.00

$2,346.26

$2,496.26

$24,962.60

$299,551.20

$130,000.00

$19,500.00

$2,178.67

$2,328.67

$23,286.70

$279,440.40

$120,000.00

$18,000.00

$2,011.08

$2,161.08

$21,610.80

$259,329.60

$100,000.00

$15,000.00

$1,675.90

$1,825.90

$18,259.00

$219,108.00

$90,000.00

$13,500.00

$1,508.31

$1,658.31

$16,583.10

$198,997.20

$80,000.00

$12,000.00

$1,340.72

$1,490.72

$14,907.20

$178,886.40

$70,000.00

$10,500.00

$1,173.13

$1,323.13

$13,231.30

$158,775.60

$60,000.00

$9,000.00

$1,005.54

$1,155.54

$11,555.40

$138,664.80

$50,000.00

$7,500.00

$837.95

$987.95

$9,879.50

$118,554.00

$40,000.00

$6,000.00

$670.36

$820.36

$8,203.60

$98,443.20

$30,000.00

$4,500.00

$502.77

$652.77

$6,527.70

$78,332.40

$25,000.00

$3,750.00

$418.97

$568.97

$5,689.70

$68,276.40

$20,000.00

$3,000.00

$335.18

$485.18

$4,851.80

$58,221.60

So, How Much Do You Need to Make to Buy that Car?

How much do you need to make for that Ferrari 488 GTB ($242,000)? About $550,000 a year. BMW M4 ($65,700)? Gonna have to rake in about $160k for a base model, $200k for a loaded version. A Lamborghini Aventador $399,500) in your driveway is going to take $803,400 in your bank account each year. Ouch. Good news is that you “only” need around $90,000 per year for that $36,775 Ford Focus RS.

For the First Time, a Watchmaker Makes a Car… and It’s a Legit Concept Car. Meet the AeroGT and BR 03-92 and BR 03-94 Watches that Go with It. AeroGT. Good name for a concept car but not a name you’d expect from a watchmaker. Actually, there’s nothing about watchmaker Bell & Ross’ AeroGT concept […]

For the First Time, a Watchmaker Makes a Car… and It’s a Legit Concept Car. Meet the AeroGT and BR 03-92 and BR 03-94 Watches that Go with It.

AeroGT. Good name for a concept car but not a name you’d expect from a watchmaker. Actually, there’s nothing about watchmaker Bell & Ross’ AeroGT concept car that’s expected. Just let that sink in for a second… the concept car was created by Bell & Ross. Bell & Ross makes watches. Not cars.

Bell & Ross AeroGT Concept Car

So, the fact that the AeroGT (which was unveiled at this year’s Baselworld) is better looking than the Bugatti Chiron and the Lamborghini Centenario LP 770-4 and pretty much any other supercar and hypercar unveiled this year is even more staggering. It’s not like the car is a Ferrari or McLaren that was co-branded with Bell & Ross. It’s a Bell & Ross car.

Oddly enough, Bell & Ross is no stranger to building absolutely beautiful motor vehicles. In 2014, they built the fully functional B-Rocket motorcycle, partnering with UK’s Shaw Harley-Davidson Speed & Custom. The B-Rocket bike was built in tandem with the Bell & Ross BR 03-90 B-Rocket watch ($5,800.00), which was limited to 500 pieces.

Bell & Ross BR 03-90 B-Rocket Watch and Motorcycle

Like the B-Rocket, the AeroGT was created to market Bell & Ross limited edition watches… this time, a pair of them: the BR 03-92 AeroGT and BR 03-94 AeroGT chronograph. Both are designed to be reminiscent of the automotive and aeronautic industries that inspired the concept car.

In the theoretical world of Bell & Ross creative director Bruno Belamich where his concept car rules the road, the concept car is powered by a 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 putting 602 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Mating that drive-line to the AeroGT’s 2,955-pound carbon fiber and aluminum body would yield a more-than-respectable 2.9 second 0-62 mph sprint (0-60 of about 2.7 s) and hypothetical top speed of 196 mph. Standing kilometer run should clock in at 19.8 seconds. 16-inch front and 15-inch rear six-piston carbon ceramic brakes handle the stopping. 245/35 ZR front and 305/30 ZR tires over 20-inch jet impeller-inspired wheels keep the whole thing on the ground.

Like I said, it’s a pretty realistic setup. What isn’t theoretical is the concept car’s design. Bell & Ross Sales Director, Fabien de Nonancourt, does a pretty good job of explaining the design of the car in the video below. So, I’ll just hit the highlights.

The whole of the AeroGT is inspired by planes. Bell & Ross themselves refer to it as half aeroplane concept car. Tiny, razor-thin wing mirrors hearken back to a plane’s carnard wings. The vertical stabilizer fin on the rear of the car is a tail wing. The huge exhausts are a jet’s exhaust nozzles. And, the whole of the greenhouse looks like a cockpit canopy. The AeroGT is all very plane-y. You’d expect it to be cheesy. But, it’s not. It’s quite well done, actually.

The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 AeroGT and BR 03-94 AeroGT watches are quite real. But, very sadly, there’s no plans to make the Bell & Ross AeroGT car a drivable reality. Who knows, maybe some car and Bell & Ross collecting billionaire will make it happen. One can only hope. Until then you (and I) will have to be happy with the videos and tech specs below. You can also see more on the Bell & Ross website, here.

The Sounds Your Car Makes Can Tell You a Lot about What’s Going on Under the Hood. Lately, I haven’t been writing much. But, the stuff I’ve been writing about has been about stuff that I’ve really, really liked. But, every once and a while, I like to write things that are actually useful. You […]

The Sounds Your Car Makes Can Tell You a Lot about What’s Going on Under the Hood.

Lately, I haven’t been writing much. But, the stuff I’ve been writing about has been about stuff that I’ve really, really liked. But, every once and a while, I like to write things that are actually useful. You may (or may not) remember my post on “How much is my car worth after an accident?” This is one of those posts. In my day job, I do marketing for the car industry. And, in my activities, I made this infographic and video about the 5 Worst Sounds Your Car Can Make.

I get a fair number of questions from people asking how you diagnose common, major car problems like a seized engine, thrown rod, flooded engine, bad CV joint and bad transmission. My usual response is how the car sounds and how the car feels. So, I made this video and infographic explaining the sounds your car will make while besmirched with these 5 mechanical issues. I made them originally for a company called DamagedCars.com, which buys damaged cars from people around the country. So, don’t mind the DamagedCars.com branding on the video.

I thought it might be good to post my infographic and video on TTV. My brother threw a rod in his car a while back, but kept driving the car. This video would have been useful back then. Oh well. Maybe it’ll help to diagnose someone’s mechanical malfunctions.

Sound Descriptions:

Seized Engine: Slow metallic clicking with a little bit of an echo.

Thrown Rod: Rapid thudding vibration that speeds up in high RPMs.

Flooded Engine: Whining cranking sound that keeps going when the key is turned.

Autstralian Micro-Brand Moto Koure Shows What Car-Inspired Watches Should Look Like with Their MK I. You don’t often think of Australia as a fertile ground for new watch brands, or for watches in general, come to think of it. Cars, yes. Watches, no. But, shiny new watchmaker, Moto Koure, is looking to change that. Oh, […]

Autstralian Micro-Brand Moto Koure Shows What Car-Inspired Watches Should Look Like with Their MK I.

You don’t often think of Australia as a fertile ground for new watch brands, or for watches in general, come to think of it. Cars, yes. Watches, no. But, shiny new watchmaker, Moto Koure, is looking to change that. Oh, and did I mention their watches are inspired by 1960s and 1970s cars? Swoon.

Moto Koure MK 1 Automatic in Green

When I say that Justin Khoury founded Sydney, Australia-based “micro brand” Moto Koure recently, I really, really mean recently. As a matter of fact, the first batch of Seiko movement-powered watches, the MK I went on pre-sale only a few days ago. And, trust me, this brand is definitely worth a look.

I haven’t had an opportunity to get up close and personal with either the mechanical or mecha-quartz variants of the Moto Koure MK I (yet), but any watch brand that shares my love of classic cars and innovative watches surely is worth taking a very close look at. Consider this post a primer for my up-coming “on-the-wrist” review of the Moto Koure MK I; coming in a few months.

1966 Ferrari 12 Cylinder F1 Racer

Please allow me the opportunity to lay out the raison d’etre behind Moto Koure. It follows rather closely to that of this very blog. Cars are beautiful. Cars are among the most breathtaking things ever created; especially the stunning sports cars and GT cars of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ’70s.

The Jaguar XKE, Aston Martin DB5, Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa are things of such legendary beauty that had Leonardo Da Vinci been alive in 1957, the Mona Lisa would have been called the Mona Testa Rossa. And, timepieces that are innovative in design, purpose or technology are just as breathtaking.

1955 Jaguar D-Type

That’s actually why I created TickTickVroom.com (see Corvette Stingray review), and that is also why Justin Khoury created Moto Koure. I kinda’ feel like a smitten schoolboy over these watches. I know it’s not really “journalistic impartiality”, but I really love the Moto Koure MK I. So, I guess I should probably get to the watches.

There are two movement options for the MK I, a Seiko VK series mecha-quartz, and a Seiko NE88 mechanical automatic. Both are two-register chronographs and both call a polished 40mm by 44mm stainless steel case with sapphire crystal home. The case is a modified tank-style with rounded corners (let’s call it a 0.25-inch radius for a guess) and invisible lugs holding driving glove inspired leather straps.

Moto Koure says the MK I design is:

“heavily inspired by 1960’s and 1970’s motoring and ultimately set out to build a brand based on elegance and racing. Two often contradictory points which resulted in some beautifully bold designs in this era.”

Moto Koure MK 1 Mech-Quartz – Burgundy

I take mucho issue with this. While, yes, the MK I is well inspired by classic motoring, the whole “contradictory points” of elegance and racing is complete and utter bull-hockey (pardon my French). There are few things ever created that are more elegant and graceful as a 1960s Ferrari F1 car or the 1955 Jaguar D-Type racer.

But, I digress. Semantics aside, back to the watch. The MK I case reminds me a bit of the chrome luggage racks you’d find on the back of a 1960’s GT car. But, that may just be me. However, it’s the dial that really ties the watch to its motoring inspiration.

The Seiko NE88 automatic, fully mechanical version is graced with a beautifully lacquered metallic dial graced with a wood inlay for the two-register column-wheel chronograph and date window, which immediately hearkens back to the maple or walnut bezel around the instrument cluster of a classic sports car. I grew up driving ‘70s MG Midgets and B-GTs and a late ‘80s Jaguar XJS, and this dial definitely brings back memories.

Moto Koure MK 1 Automatic – Blue

The Seiko VK series mech-quartz model of the MK I is a bit sportier. In place of the wood is either a pebbled-leather or diamond plate two-toned dial. While still quite cool, I think I prefer the wood of the MK I automatic. In any case, I’m rather excited to review the automatic and mech-quartz. Both versions come in a variety of colors, but I fell in love with the Green and Blue automatics and the Burgundy auto-quartz. What can I say, I’m a sucker for gem-tones.

Like I said, pre-orders just started. But the retail price of the Moto Koure MK I automatic is $979 and the MK I mecha-quartz is $444. But, Moto Koure is offering significant pre-order discounts.

Early Pricing for the automatic version will be:

For the first 100 purchasers – $779USD (50% deposit payable now)

For the next 100 purchasers – $819USD (50% deposit payable now)

Price available until full production is completed- $879USD (50% deposit payable now)

Moto Koure MK 1 Automatic – Champagne

for the mecha-quartz:

Pricing for the mecha-quartz version will be:

For the first 150 purchasers – $269USD (50% deposit payable now)

For then next 150 purchasers – $319USD (50% deposit payable now)

Price available until full production is completed – $394USD (50% deposit payable now)

Retail price of $444USD

Moto Koure MK 1 Mech-Quartz Pebbled Leather

Manufactured by the same company that produces Stuckx watches of KickStarter fame, the Moto Koure has pretty decent tech spec chops. Check out the Technical Specifications below… Make sure to stay tuned to TickTickVroom.com for our review of the Moto Koure MK I. For more information and to pre-order, visit http://www.motokoure.com. Tell them TickTickVroom.com sent you.

Moto Koure MK I Tech Specs:

MK I Automatic:

Color options: Blue, British racing green, brown and champagne

Movement: Seiko NE88

Strap: European perforated leather

Case: 316L Stainless Steel

Case dimensions: 40x44mm – thickness 15mm

Lens: Sapphire crystal lens with anti-reflective coating

Case back: Solid case back with stamping

Water resistance: 5 ATM

Dial: Multi-layer dial with wood imprint

Old Radium SL Lume on the indexes 0.10 mm thick

Hands: Shiny chrome with old radium SL lume

Pushers: Stainless steel

Crown: Stainless steel

MK I Mecha-Quartz:

Color options: Black and silver options for pebbled leather variant and silver and burgundy for the diamond plated variant

Taking to the Track with Cadillac’s Two Big Dogs, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and 2016 Cadillac ATS-V. While Top Gear frequently refers (or should I say referred) to itself as a “poky little motoring show,” they did so with the utmost irony as they are, in fact, the yardstick by which all other motoring media […]

Taking to the Track with Cadillac’s Two Big Dogs, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and 2016 Cadillac ATS-V.

While Top Gear frequently refers (or should I say referred) to itself as a “poky little motoring show,” they did so with the utmost irony as they are, in fact, the yardstick by which all other motoring media are measured. TickTickVroom is in reality a poky little motoring blog. So, when we get invited to do something like drive the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and 2016 Cadillac ATS-V around the track at Homestead-Miami Speedway, we get justifiably excited. And, that’s exactly what happened.

2016 Cadillac ATS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V has for the past several years been America’s answer to the Audi RS6, BMW M5 and various Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG variants. Each generation of CTS-V has had the more than enough performance to keep up with the best Germany had to offer, but they’ve always lacked the interior style and material quality that have been the bywords of German luxury super-sedans. Not so anymore.

Not only is the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V blindingly fast (sixty comes in a quick 3.6 seconds and top speed is at the two century mark), it’s built like Cadillac actually gives a damn. Recaro seats, dry-fit carbon fiber, Alcantara, leather… They’re all present in spades.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Interior

The 2016 CTS-V’s Performance comes from a 6-liter supercharged and inter-cooled V8 boasting 640 horspower and 630 pound-feet of torque hitting the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Not bad for a $84,990 base MSRP.

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Interior

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V isn’t the only thorn in German luxury sides. Now, the BMW M3/M4, Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG have a red, white and blue rival in the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V. Like its bigger brother, the ATS-V is built from all the fun stuff you’d hope and has the performance to back up its looks. Zero to sixty comes in at 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 189 mph.

A twin-turbocharged V6 puts 464 horsepower and 445 pound-feet to the ground through the back wheels via a choice of gearboxes. Not only does the ATS-V have a paddle-shifting 8-speed automatic, but you have the glorious option of rowing your own gears via a six-speed manual transmission.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V

Now that you have the background on the two cars, how are they on the track? Let us just say that it’s fairly obvious these two members of the Cadillac V-Series share a fairly large amount of DNA with the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Z06.

For starters, the CTS-V gets a moderately de-tuned (only 10 hp) version of the 2016 Z06’s supercharged V8. That explains the oomph. It seems, however, that General Motors has learned quite a bit about handling, finesse and dealing with earth-rippling amounts of torque after developing three generations of über ‘Vettes.

Homestead-Miami Speedway

Both the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V are incredible neutral on the track. With a variety of driving modes to choose from (also from the Corvette), you can drive like a hero or really get a good forearm workout in as you lap Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In an mode, however, I was amazed at just how much you can push these Cadillacs. I’m not a pro driver by any stretch of the imagination, but each lap I found myself going faster and faster in the turns as I gained confidence in the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and the Magnetic Ride Control present in both the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and Cadillac ATS-V

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Turn-In Performance Data Recorder

Turn-ins on both cars are last-minute, thanks to manhole cover-sized Brembo brakes offering very late braking. Although, the ATS-V is much nimbler thanks to its diminutive size (when compared to the CTS-V). Pass the apex and the CTS-V takes over. The CTS-V and ATS-V are monstrously quick, but the ATS-V’s 464 hp will NEVER hold a candle to the crazy-ass 640 hp coming out of the 2016 CTS-V.

Every time you brake, hit the gas or turn the wheel is recorded onto an SD card through the on-board Performance Data Recorder. A front mounted camera shows just how good or bad a driver you are. So, there’s no massaging of the track-day truth.

So… are the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V and 2016 Cadillac CTS-V any good on the track or, indeed, any good in general? Yes. Should BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz be scared? Yes. Both Cadillacs finally have the fit and finish to go along with the worldclass performance to compete with the best Germany has to offer. Now, with the new Jaguar XF coming in 2016 and the 2017 Jaguar XE and the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia coming shortly thereafter, those seeking a luxury super-sedan and mini super-sedan will have many to choose from. I, personally, think I’ll be opting for the Alfa.

I miss my watches, and so do a lot of others, which may be troubling news for watchmakers. It’s been a week since I got my 42mm Apple Watch in stainless steel with the Bright Blue Leather Loop strap. And, I figured it might not be a bad time for an Apple Watch Review. Over […]

I miss my watches, and so do a lot of others, which may be troubling news for watchmakers.

It’s been a week since I got my 42mm Apple Watch in stainless steel with the Bright Blue Leather Loop strap. And, I figured it might not be a bad time for an Apple Watch Review. Over the past week, I’ve learned more than just a bit of fodder for an Apple Watch Review, I’ve realized that the Apple Watch (which I still think they should’ve called it the iWatch) is actually causing a few headaches for the luxury watchmaking world. Whould’a thunk it?

42mm Stainless Steel Apple Watch Review Bright Blue Leather Loop Band

Apple Watch Review Part of This Apple Watch Review

Okay, so here’s my Apple Watch Review short, short version. I like it. It has flaws, things I wish it did, but since I got it, I haven’t worn any of my other watches. Basically, flaws or not, the Apple Watch is addicting.

Apple made some pretty smart decisions when putting out their first foray into wrist-wear. First impressions are very important. Apple did a great job packaging their watch. A white outer box and inner box greet you before you even see your watch. Packaging looks little different than any other Omega, Breitling or Rolex box and papers. That’s a reassuring thing when you’re spending $699 on a toy… er, gadget… er, watch.

After getting through the box, set up of the Apple Watch is stupid-easy. Basically, you turn the watch on, turn your phone Bluetooth on, open the Apple Watch app and press go. After a few configuration steps and about 10 minutes, you new Apple Watch is good to go.

Once on your wrist, the Apple Watch is very comfortable. The Bright Blue Leather Loop strap is soft and pliable out of the box. A lack of breathing is my only complaint about the strap. It gets a little warm, especially in Miami’s August. Granted, everything in Miami gets a little warm in August.

The watch itself, especially the 42mm, is a bit heavy on the wrist but not overly so. It’s significantly lighter than pretty much any gold Audemars Piguet or Piaget. You get used to it quickly. The “crown” and button are well positioned are reversible for both right-handed and left-handed people. I wear my watch on my right hand, like a lefty, but opted to keep my watch in the right-handed set-up.

So far, I have 44 Apple Watch apps. In reality, I use about a dozen. Of the Apple apps, I actually find myself using the Activity, Workout, Messaging and phone functions quite a bit. Non Apple apps, I’m a fan of Dark Sky, a hyper-local weather app and Pandora.

This is an Apple Watch Review after all, so I should probably comment on the apps. Activity and Workout are a good pair. I had a Fitbit, but the Activity app does a better job tracking steps, calories and activity (hence the name, I guess). Workout takes the tracking a step further and correlates my activity to a specific exercise. I’ve found, however, my Apple Watch says I burn on 630 calories in an hour on an elliptical machine. The elliptical machine says I burn closer to 780. So… there’s a bit of a gap there. I find myself taking an average of the two.

Messaging needs the capacity for more preset responses. While customization, the 25 or so preset responses don’t quite cut it. Do I really need 3 different ways of saying “Thanks”? No. I don’t. Siri does do a good job of picking up the slack.

As far is the phone is concerned, I am impressed with the clarity of the speakerphone function on the receiving end. But, the speakers on the phone itself are way too quiet. It’s fairly hard to hear someone’s voice coming from the Apple Watch.

Basically, the long and the short of this Apple Watch review is this… I am addicted with checking emails and text messages, keeping tabs on my workouts and getting hyper-local weather reports. But, when it comes to actual communication, more than just checking in on what my phone is doing, the Apple Watch has a long way to come. Something tells me Apple Watch 2 will be out before we know it.

Apple Watch Apps

Pontification Part of this This Apple Watch Review

The previous section was the easy part of my Apple Watch review. This part, kind scary. All of that being said, today is the first day since I got my Apple Watch that I’ve worn a real watch. And, while I missed wearing my Apple Watch, when I wore a real watch today, I found myself missing my Apple Watch more. Crap.

When I got my Apple Watch, I wasn’t what impact it would have on my daily choices of wrist-wear. Boons and foibles of my Apple Watch review above, I can honestly say that after a week, I am wholly addicted to my iWatch (it just rolls of the tongue so much better).

Today I wore an Oris Aquis. I like that watch. It’s comfy. It’s accurate. And, the rubber strap smells like chocolate. But, I found myself wondering what my Apple Watch was doing. I had to look at my phone to check my emails, like a sucker. And, I have no idea how many calories I’ve burned today.

As a watch collector, this represents a problem. I love watches, almost as much as I love cars. But, I also have begun to fall in love with my Apple Watch. I’m not the only person this has happened to.

I have two friends who are serious, serious watch collectors. Waaaaaaay more serious than I am. One has a Patek Philippe collection that would make all of Switzerland jealous. The other is the same deal, just with Audemars Piguet.

Both have Apple Watches. And, both have said they have curtailed the acquisition of new real watches because they’ve worn their Apple Watch every day. Apple Watch review or not, that is some telling stuff.

I can say for a fact that none of the high-end watchmakers ever thought that the Apple Watch would ever eat into their sales. Hell, even the most techie of watch journalists agreed with them. But, I’ve seen it first-hand, serious watch aficionados are laying down their automatics and opting for a battery-operated Apple smartwatch.

Will that last? I don’t know. I’m actively working to vary my watch choices, but it’s more difficult than I care to admit. My advice to watchmakers, embrace the Apple Watch, somehow.

The 2016 Jaguar F-Type R AWD has been on my gotta-drive-it radar for some time without much traction being made toward getting the keys to one. I’ve been lucky, and some car makers have given me some awesome time on the track and off with some pretty incredible cars. But, since TickTickVroom isn’t the biggest […]

The 2016 Jaguar F-Type R AWD has been on my gotta-drive-it radar for some time without much traction being made toward getting the keys to one. I’ve been lucky, and some car makers have given me some awesome time on the track and off with some pretty incredible cars. But, since TickTickVroom isn’t the biggest or most recognized of car sites, finagling the opportunity to be handed the keys to a 550 hp, six-figured sports car doesn’t happen all that often. So, a few days ago, while I was at Alpine Jaguar in Fort Lauderdale, I was treated to a very kick-ass and unexpected surprise.

1982 Lancia Zagato takes the place of the little red racer from Atari’s Pole Position I’m back. And, so is TickTickVroom.com. It’s been a while since my last post. I took a bit of time off from the site. But, now I’m back to hunting and pecking on my keyboard with a new take for […]

1982 Lancia Zagato takes the place of the little red racer from Atari’s Pole Position

I’m back. And, so is TickTickVroom.com. It’s been a while since my last post. I took a bit of time off from the site. But, now I’m back to hunting and pecking on my keyboard with a new take for TTV. This site has been a combo of news, reviews and editorial junk for the past few years. I’m not Autoblog, so why would you come here for news?

No mas. Now, I’m sticking to road tests and editorial stuff with my own personal take on cars and watches. I’m gonna have fun and share what I think is interesting, funny or worth sharing. What better way to begin the new style than with an this awesomeness. I would like to share with you, gentle reader the greatest and coolest car-based boondoggle I’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing, a full-sized version of the classic game Pole Position, starring a 1982 Lancia Zagato.

1982 Lancia Zagato Pole Position Screenshot from Jalopnik.com

Driving games have gotten pretty incredible not to mention popular. Need for Speed, Gran Turismo, Project CARS and Mario Kart to name a few. But they all have a common progenitor, pixelated old grand-pappy Atari Pole Position. Pole Position was originally released in 1982, June for Japan and November for North America… just a bit before my time. But, that doesn’t mean I didn’t buzz that little red racer around the track from time to time. I love Pole Position, and a lot of other people do, as well.

Artist, vintage video game connoisseur and Jalopnik contributor Jason Torchinsky has taken his love of the classic Atari game to a-whole-nother level. He’s taken a worse-for-wear 1982 Lancia Zagato, had it majorly pixelated, shoved an Atari 400 into the glove box, put it in front of a big screen, and turned it into a full-size version of Pole Position, which is now installed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. As a matter of fact, tonight is opening night of the installation.

That means you can go and drive a Lancia Zagato in big kid Pole Position right now… provided you live in the Indianapolis metro area of have access to a private jet. Seriously, that has to be the coolest thing you could ever do with an old junker. Torchinsky has written all about it in a series of Jalopnik posts, which I highly recommend. Check them out here, here and here.